In Texas, we don’t do small.
We lead big campuses.
We manage big expectations.
We carry big responsibility for kids, staff, families, and communities.
And by the time May turns into June, most leaders aren’t just tired, they’re depleted!
The end of the school year often feels like crossing a marathon finish line… only to be handed another race schedule for summer school, hiring, facility projects, and next year’s planning.
But here’s the truth:
If leaders don’t intentionally reset during the summer, the next school year starts at a deficit.
Wellness is not a luxury.
It’s not selfish.
It’s not optional. It’s leadership.
No doubt, Texas leaders are some of the toughest leaders in education. Accountability systems, rapid growth in districts, teacher shortages, legislative changes, the pressure is real!
The problem? Many leaders wear exhaustion like a badge of honor.
“I’ll rest later.”
“I just need to get through this year.”
“Summer is for catching up.”
But here’s what happens when we never truly reset:
Decision fatigue increases.
Patience decreases.
Creativity shrinks.
Vision becomes survival.
And schools don’t need surviving leaders. They need energized ones!
Wellness doesn’t mean disappearing for two months. It means being intentional. Think of summer as a leadership recalibration period.
Just like we build improvement plans for our campuses, we must build restoration plans for ourselves.
Here are five ways YOU can make summer a true reset:
1. Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Meetings
If it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen.
Block off true time away. Not “working from home.” Not “just checking email.” Actual mental detachment.
Even two fully protected weeks can change your leadership posture for the entire year.
2. Reconnect With Who You Are Outside the Title
You are more than “Principal” or “Assistant Principal” or “Supervisor.”
Summer is the perfect time to ask:
What energizes me?
What did I love before this role consumed my schedule?
What relationships need more attention?
Whether it’s family, faith, fitness, hobbies, or travel, reconnecting with your identity strengthens your leadership identity.
3. Reflect Before You Plan
Most leaders rush straight into improvement planning.
Instead, pause and ask yourself:
What drained me most this year?
What gave me energy?
Where did I overextend?
What systems need strengthening so I’m not carrying everything?
Reflection prevents repetition.
4. Build a “Boundaries Blueprint” for Next Year
If you ended the year exhausted, it wasn’t random.
Summer is your opportunity to adjust:
What meetings can be delegated?
What processes can be systematized?
What fires can be prevented with proactive systems?
Wellness is often a systems issue, not a stamina issue.
5. Invest in Growth That Refuels You
Not every conference or book is restorative. Choose professional growth that inspires, not just informs.
Surround yourself with leaders who pour into you. The right room can restore your belief and your bandwidth.
You know the TEPSA Summer Conference does just that each year for so many!
In the end, when a leader returns energized:
Staff feels it.
Students feel it.
Families feel it.
The culture feels it.
Your tone sets the temperature of the building.
If you walk in depleted, your campus starts cooler.
If you walk in focused and grounded, your campus starts stronger. Wellness is contagious, just like your burnout.
You’ve earned more than survival this summer.
You’ve earned restoration.
Take the break.
Guard the time.
Reset with intention.
Your campus will be better for it.
And so will YOU!
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
